A consignment of 10 Bailey Bridges arrived in Colombo from Visakhapatnam aboard INS Gharial and was formally handed over at a ceremony held on 05 February 2026. The handover was made by the Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, to the Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku.
The bridges have been supplied under India’s grant assistance of USD 5 million for post-Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction, aimed at strengthening critical connectivity infrastructure in affected areas. Another consignment carrying the remaining bridge components is expected to arrive shortly. The supply of Bailey Bridges forms part of the wider USD 450 million Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Package announced by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah.
The newly delivered Bailey Bridges will be installed at multiple locations across Sri Lanka. Technical assessments for their installation are currently being carried out by Indian Army engineers, in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority (RDA).
It may be recalled that India had previously supplied four Bailey Bridges to Sri Lanka, with two installed in the Kilinochchi District and two along the Kandy–Ragala Road. These bridges have played a vital role in restoring connectivity in difficult and hilly terrain, significantly improving access for local communities and facilitating the resumption of essential services, livelihoods, and economic activity.
India remains firmly committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery, resilience, and long-term connectivity through timely, targeted, and people-centric assistance.
